Celebrating National Earth Month

Maeve Kiley

The Cruelest Month 

The 20th-century author & poet, T.S. Elliot, famously stated in the opening lines of The Waste Land, “April is the cruelest month.” The paradoxical reversal of a hopeful spring is framed as “painful” because it forces memory and passion to emerge from the numbness of winter. With April labeled the “Month of Spring,” it is now important to prepare for the new season. 

Earth Month 2026

In a digital age so focused on centering its captors’ lives around negativity, division, and the fear of what new technology will bring, a return to form is essential. Humans have found solace in the natural world since we first began walking upright. Cave paintings depict the animals we’d watch while walking with our children; medieval documents contain poems describing the changing seasons; churches were adorned with stained glass revealing Biblical figures draped in cloaks of flowers; songs were sung, books were written, and relationships blossomed under the cooling shade of an ancient tree. 

April may be cruel for reminding us of the passage of time, but it is a graceful reminder of the flourishing hands that hold us close. Do not let Earth Day be simply a day to wear green, but rather, let it be a special day in a special month where you celebrate life in all its forms. 

Events & Activities

Depending upon your geographic location, springtime is traditionally when the days grow longer, and the sun shines just a little bit more. The new warmth serves as an excellent motivation for nature walks. They do not have to be long hikes (though hiking is an incredible way to center your mind while moving your body), but they are an ancient remedy for many of life’s stressors. Take photos, listen to music, bring a loved one, or simply absorb the sights, smells, and sounds, and be reminded that you are not alone. Millions of insects crawl beneath our feet, and thousands of birds fly above our heads. Through the smoke and the smog, color can be found fighting for its rightful place amongst us. 

To help share the love and foster a springtime community, Chipco Preserve will be hosting a social media campaign. All you need to do to participate is go on a nature walk, take a couple of pictures, and post them on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and/or Bluesky. Tag your photo with #ChipcoSpring and see how strangers online can be connected through the everlasting wonder of the natural world. 

Solidarity & Activism

Springtime is a wonderful opportunity to advocate for the environment. Activism need not be limited to campaigns, protests, and voting; the quiet, subtler forms make an incredible difference as well. 

If your living situation allows it, start a garden. It can be as large-scale as a traditional backyard ecosystem, or as small as a couple of plants in your kitchen. If planting outside, make sure to check the native plants in your region and plan accordingly. This is not just a fun hobby and wonderful way to live green, but your garden will repay you with delicious food, beautiful flowers, and flavorful herbs. 

If you have young children in your life or community, center this month around environmental education and conservation conversations. Have those important talks about why nature is essential and how disregarding nature hurts it. Explore your local wildlife through books, online learning, and field trips. Look into fun games to expand your child’s understanding of the world around them, such as scavenger hunts or building nature forts. Chipco Preserve has a diverse portfolio of resources available to parents and educators, such as our Bat Education Course & free Conservation-focused video game. Both are available under the "Environmental Education” tab on our website. 

Hope for the Future

Although the world may seem bleak and environmental issues may seem beyond saving, nothing is truly hopeless. Wickedness preys upon apathy, and as long as people still care, then nothing is truly beyond our hope. Although damage has been done and atrocities have been committed, all it takes is one person to care. Things improve with those who care to learn, practice what they preach, and promote healthy, sustainable ways of living. 

Earth Day is not just a Day. Earth Day is not just a month. Springtime is neither cruel nor kind. The actions that we make today will affect the world around us, so let’s take care to make the right ones! Happy National Earth Month!

Link to our Environment Education Section of Our Website, HERE.

References:

Eliot, T. S. The Waste Land. Edited by Michael North, W.W. Norton, 2001

“Earth Day.” National Geographic, National Geographic Society, 2024. www.nationalgeographic.com. Accessed 29 March. 2026.